January 3rd

Here are two important numbers for Mayor Bowser and the DC Council to focus on: 22,000 and 20 percent. 22,000 is the number of affordable housing units needed for very low-income DC residents. And 20 percent is the unemployment rate for residents without a college degree. As the excitement of the inauguration fades away and Mayor Bowser and the Council get down to business, addressing these numbers would be a great place to start.

Lazere is executive director of the DC Fiscal Policy Institute, which promotes budget and policy solutions to reduce inequality and increase the opportunity for DC residents to build a better future.